A serious case in Indiana has raised concerns about child safety after a young girl was injured by a gun inside a vehicle. Police say the incident, first reported as a drive-by shooting, was later found to be accidental and caused by an unsecured firearm.
Mother Faces Charges After Child Injured
Alysha Gulley, 37, has been charged with multiple counts of neglect of a dependent. One of the charges includes neglect resulting in bodily injury.
The case is being investigated by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Incident Initially Reported as Drive-By Shooting
The incident took place on November 16, 2025, in Indianapolis. Gulley told police she heard a loud noise while driving and believed her daughter had been shot by someone outside the vehicle.
She called emergency services and drove home, thinking she was escaping danger.
Investigation Reveals Different Story
When officers checked the scene, they found no signs of a drive-by shooting. There was no external damage to the vehicle, which raised doubts about the initial claim.
Further investigation revealed that the shooting had actually occurred inside the minivan.
Unsecured Gun Found in Backpack
Police discovered a backpack in the vehicle containing a loaded 9mm handgun. The bag was unzipped and did not have any locking mechanism.
Authorities said the lack of proper storage created a dangerous situation, especially with children present in the car.
Child’s Account of the Incident
The 7-year-old girl later told investigators that she reached into the backpack while looking for a vape device after her mother asked for it.
She said she felt something hard inside the bag, and then the gun suddenly went off, injuring her. The child stated she did not know there was a firearm in the bag.
Victim’s Condition
The girl suffered a gunshot wound to her pelvis but was reported to be stable and conscious when first responders arrived. She received medical treatment at a hospital.
Legal Status and Next Steps
Gulley has been taken into custody and is being held at the Marion County Jail on a $1,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court for an initial hearing on April 17.
